New Orleans
#FORTHECULTURE
2 0 2 6
NOLA
Back when the party was the moment.
Before the timeline, there was the line down the block. Thursday nights at Soul 2 Soul were the cornerstone of New Orleans hip-hop — a room where you danced to the DJ, heard new records first, and never knew which artist might pull up and grab the mic.
Smoove Fest brings that energy back into the open air. One evening, one stage, at The Broadside — an elevated, strictly-21+ hip-hop festival with live performances back to back, craft cocktails, local food, and art all around. Grown folks' business, done right.
A festival for people who came up living inside the music — and everybody they're bringing with them.
DJ Raj Smoove
Three decades deep in New Orleans music — from packing the House of Blues every Thursday to holding down game days for the Saints and stages at Essence Fest and Jazz Fest.
Producer, engineer, and artist champion, with collaborations spanning Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, PJ Morton — and one legendary impromptu set with Stevie Wonder.
The Lineup
Legends on the mic, DJs on the decks, and art coming to life while the music plays — all curated by Raj Smoove to embody the roots and culture of New Orleans hip-hop.
STAGE
Live on Stage
First Names AnnouncedOn the Decks
DJ Sets All NightSpecial Guests
Only a few names get announced — the rest are surprise guests who've worked closely with or been inspired by Raj Smoove over the years. You never know who's gonna pull up. That's the whole point.
Announced From the Stage · Stay Close★ More names dropping soon — the rest stay a surprise 'til showtime ★
The Details
Where
The Broadside
600 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Open-air venue in Mid-City, 10 minutes or less from the French Quarter. No on-site parking — but street parking, beaucoup. ADA parking is available on site. Rideshare strongly encouraged.
When
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Gates & first performance: 6 PM
Last performance: 10 PM
Event ends: 11 PM
Rain or shine. Re-entry allowed with your wristband.
Know Before You Go
Strictly 21+ — valid government-issued photo ID required for entry.
Clear bags only (small clutches OK). Cashless event with ATMs on site. Free water available. No outside food or drinks, no chairs — beaucoup seating on site.
Rideshare is the move — have your driver drop at 600 N Broad. Easy in, easy out.
Ticket Tiers
Three ways to do the day. Join the waitlist to be first in line when tickets drop.
GA+
- Everything in GA
- GA+ lounge — covered, shaded, high-boy tables & seating
- Fresh-squeezed juice from The Daily Beet (while supplies last)
- Fresh fruit popsicles from Big O Pops (while supplies last)
VIP
- All GA+ perks
- Caribbean taco bar
- Designated VIP bar
- Air-conditioned indoor stage & bar with VIP DJs
- Additional seating
Want to level up on the day? Upgrade on site (if tickets are available) by paying the difference. No refunds — but tickets are transferable to a friend if you can't make it.
FAQs
Everything you need to know before you pull up.
Is this event 21+?
Yes. This is a strictly 21+ event. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry.
We created this event for adults who want an elevated hip-hop festival experience featuring live performances, craft cocktails, local food, art, and culture in a mature atmosphere.
What time do gates open?
- Gates open: 6 PM
- First performance: 6 PM
- Last performance: 10 PM
- Event end time: 11 PM
Where is the festival located?
The Broadside NOLA at 600 N Broad St, New Orleans. Map here — and yes, the French Quarter is 10 minutes or less away.
Is parking available?
- On-site parking: No
- Street parking: Yes, beaucoup
- Rideshare: Strongly encouraged — Uber or Lyft, drop off at 600 N Broad
- ADA parking: Yes, on site
Can I leave and re-enter?
Yes — as long as you have your wristband on.
What happens if it rains?
Rain or shine. The festival will proceed in most weather conditions. In the event of severe weather that creates unsafe conditions, updates will be communicated through our website and social media channels.
Are tickets refundable?
- Refund policy: No refunds
- Transfer policy: Yes — you can transfer your tickets to a friend if you cannot attend
- Cancellation: If the event is cancelled, you'll be issued a full refund. If it's rescheduled due to weather, your ticket is valid for the new date
What ticket types are available?
- GA: Admission to all main-stage entertainment, indoor bar with AC, indoor bathrooms
- GA+: GA+ lounge with covered shaded area, high-boy tables and seating, plus a fresh-squeezed juice from The Daily Beet and fresh fruit popsicles from Big O Pops (while supplies last)
- VIP: Caribbean taco bar, designated VIP bar, air-conditioned indoor stage and bar, VIP DJs, additional seating, and all GA+ perks
- Upgrades: Available on site (if tickets are available) by paying the difference
When will set times be released?
The Smoove Fest musical lineup is carefully crafted and curated by the one and only Raj Smoove to reflect and embody the essence of New Orleans hip-hop roots and culture. Only a few of the artists will be announced — the rest will be special surprise guests who have worked closely with or been inspired by Raj Smoove over the years.
Will food be available?
Yes — the venue has two restaurants on site, Nikkei Izakaya and Broadside Burgers. Plus three top food trucks:
- Johnny's Jamaican Grill (Jamaican)
- Panchita's (Mexican)
- Tanjerine (West African / Vegan)
Will alcohol be available?
Yes. Beer, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. It's a cashless event, with ATMs on site — and free water, always.
Can I bring my own food, drinks, or a chair?
Absolutely not on the outside food and drinks. And leave the chair at home — we got beaucoup seating on site.
What items are prohibited?
- Weapons
- Illegal drugs
- Outside food / drinks
- Glass containers
- Fireworks
- Laser pointers
- Large umbrellas
- Professional camera equipment (without media credentials)
- Drones
- Chairs
What's the bag policy & security screening?
All attendees are subject to security screening and bag inspection upon entry.
- No backpacks
- Clear bags only
- Small clutch bags allowed
- All bags subject to search
Can I take photos and videos?
Personal photography encouraged. Professional cameras with detachable lenses require media credentials.
Is smoking or vaping allowed?
Outside of the venue, yes — not on premises.
Is the festival ADA accessible?
- Accessible entrances ✓
- Viewing areas ✓
- Accessible restrooms ✓
- Accessible parking ✓
Service animals are permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines. Pets are not allowed.
Visiting from out of town — where should I stay?
The historic Dew Drop Inn — otherwise there are beaucoup Airbnbs in the area. The venue is 10 minutes or less from the French Quarter.
What should I wear?
New Orleans weather can be hot and humid. Comfortable shoes and breathable clothing are strongly recommended.
Will merchandise be available?
Festival and artist merchandise available while supplies last.